About This Event
Start the School Year with Faith, Focus, and a Plan
School is starting again—prepare to navigate it with confidence, purpose, and a strong Muslim identity.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
1:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. | Dhuhr to Maghrib
For Muslim youth ages 13–17
Location: ICOI — Main Musalla
About the Seminar:
Returning to school means new schedules, expectations, friendships, opportunities, and pressures. Back to School: Back to Reality is an interactive youth seminar designed to help Muslim teenagers face those realities while remaining grounded in their faith.
Participants will engage in honest conversations, team activities, gender-based breakout discussions, and an anonymous Q&A with our speakers.
We’ll Explore:
* Faith, identity, and fitting in
* Friends, peer pressure, and social media
* Stress, balance, and mental well-being
* Academic success and time management
* Making confident, faith-centered decisions
* Knowing when and how to seek support
What to Expect:
* Four engaging speakers
* Guidance from ICOI youth mentors
* Gender-based breakout discussions
* Anonymous speaker Q&A
* Dhuhr, Asr, and Maghrib in congregation
* Snacks and dinner
Meet the Speakers:
Imam Dirie Ahmed
Associate Religious Director at ICOI
Born in the West, Imam Dirie understands many of the realities and identity challenges young Muslims experience. He brings a grounded and relatable approach to Islamic guidance, helping youth strengthen their relationship with Allah, develop confidence in their Muslim identity, and make principled decisions at school and beyond.
Shaykh Musafa Umar
Local Irvine Scholar
Born in Irvine and familiar with the environment local youth navigate, Shaykh Mustafa understands many of the pressures facing Muslim teenagers today. He offers practical, faith-centered guidance for handling peer pressure, protecting one’s identity, and practicing Islam with confidence.
Dr. Ahmed Soboh
Dentist
Dr. Ahmed is a dynamic and motivational speaker who connects discipline, resilience, and purposeful living to real-world experiences. His energetic and engaging approach inspires young people to set meaningful goals, overcome challenges, and pursue excellence without compromising their values.
Khala Noha Alshugairi
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | Positive Discipline Lead Trainer
Before transitioning into therapy, Khala Noha served for many years as a private-school principal. Her background in education and mental health gives her valuable insight into the academic, emotional, social, and family challenges young people face. She brings a warm, practical approach to helping youths develop confidence, healthy relationships, and effective tools for managing life’s pressures.
Questions?
Assoc. Religious Director – Imam Dirie Ahmed | Dirie@icoi.net
By registering you are accepting the following:
□ I consent to emergency medical treatment if I cannot be reached.
□ I consent to photos/videos being taken of my child for masjid promotional purposes.
□ I understand that I am responsible for dropping off and picking up my child on time.
□ I understand that participants are expected to behave respectfully and follow seminar rules. If my child engages in disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior, they may be removed from the seminar, and no refund will be issued.
About This Event
Start the School Year with Faith, Focus, and a Plan
School is starting again—prepare to navigate it with confidence, purpose, and a strong Muslim identity.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
1:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. | Dhuhr to Maghrib
For Muslim youth ages 13–17
Location: ICOI — Main Musalla
About the Seminar:
Returning to school means new schedules, expectations, friendships, opportunities, and pressures. Back to School: Back to Reality is an interactive youth seminar designed to help Muslim teenagers face those realities while remaining grounded in their faith.
Participants will engage in honest conversations, team activities, gender-based breakout discussions, and an anonymous Q&A with our speakers.
We’ll Explore:
* Faith, identity, and fitting in
* Friends, peer pressure, and social media
* Stress, balance, and mental well-being
* Academic success and time management
* Making confident, faith-centered decisions
* Knowing when and how to seek support
What to Expect:
* Four engaging speakers
* Guidance from ICOI youth mentors
* Gender-based breakout discussions
* Anonymous speaker Q&A
* Dhuhr, Asr, and Maghrib in congregation
* Snacks and dinner
Meet the Speakers:
Imam Dirie Ahmed
Associate Religious Director at ICOI
Born in the West, Imam Dirie understands many of the realities and identity challenges young Muslims experience. He brings a grounded and relatable approach to Islamic guidance, helping youth strengthen their relationship with Allah, develop confidence in their Muslim identity, and make principled decisions at school and beyond.
Shaykh Musafa Umar
Local Irvine Scholar
Born in Irvine and familiar with the environment local youth navigate, Shaykh Mustafa understands many of the pressures facing Muslim teenagers today. He offers practical, faith-centered guidance for handling peer pressure, protecting one’s identity, and practicing Islam with confidence.
Dr. Ahmed Soboh
Dentist
Dr. Ahmed is a dynamic and motivational speaker who connects discipline, resilience, and purposeful living to real-world experiences. His energetic and engaging approach inspires young people to set meaningful goals, overcome challenges, and pursue excellence without compromising their values.
Khala Noha Alshugairi
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist | Positive Discipline Lead Trainer
Before transitioning into therapy, Khala Noha served for many years as a private-school principal. Her background in education and mental health gives her valuable insight into the academic, emotional, social, and family challenges young people face. She brings a warm, practical approach to helping youths develop confidence, healthy relationships, and effective tools for managing life’s pressures.
Questions?
Assoc. Religious Director – Imam Dirie Ahmed | Dirie@icoi.net
By registering you are accepting the following:
□ I consent to emergency medical treatment if I cannot be reached.
□ I consent to photos/videos being taken of my child for masjid promotional purposes.
□ I understand that I am responsible for dropping off and picking up my child on time.
□ I understand that participants are expected to behave respectfully and follow seminar rules. If my child engages in disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior, they may be removed from the seminar, and no refund will be issued.